633CE: The Accession of Umar [RA] To The Caliphate
Shortly after the victory that the Muslim army achieved at Ajnadain, Khaliph Abubakr [RA] died at the age of sixty-two and was buried beside the Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him]. He was succeeded by Umar ibn al- Khattab [RA] as the second Khaliph [634-44]. He was the first leader of the Muslim to be called amir al- Muminin, meaning the Commander of the Believers. The distinctive title became a permanent one for the future Khaliphs for the next thirteen centuries.
He was from a politically unimportant clan in Makkah called Adi ibn Kab, but was a man of strong determination. He had an exceptional sense of duty and was a good administrator Umars [RA] accession to the caliphate was a very great value to Islam. Islam witnessed a great expansion as well as conquering during his ten years of reign. He was also noted for his deep sense of persona! humility, extreme austerity and he radiated moral authority.
635AH: The surrender of Damascus
After defeating the Byzantines at Ajnadain the previous year, the Muslims laid siege to Damascus, which had to submit after six months. The importance of the war to the Muslims then was that it raised the question of how to deal with non-Muslim population under the Islamic state. The treaty which the Muslim general, Khalid bn al- Walid [RA]concluded with the inhabitants of Damascus i.e. the Jews and the Christians, served as example in different lands for many years to come.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited